New Jazz This Week: Marianne Trudel, Eva Kruse, Avishai Cohen and More

For the second week in a row, some late Best of 2014 contenders state their claim. Two qualities reflect most of this week’s list of recommendations: strong musicianship and fun fun music. You just can’t overvalue the potency of serious music that’s also a blast to kick back and listen to. Let’s begin’¦

Avishai Cohen, Dark Nights: I’m fascinated with how these Triveni recordings can be so unassuming and intimate, yet still resonate powerfully. The trio of trumpeter Cohen, bassist Omer Avital and drummer Nasheet Waits returns for another go at an in-the-moment spontaneous session of covers and originals. A rendition of Mingus’s ‘Goodbye Porkpie Hat’ is a highlight, both in the way it emotes with a hard strength but delivers with a casual looseness. Anat Cohen guests on clarinet, because, really, why wouldn’t you have Anat Cohen play clarinet on your recording. Also, a haunting rendition of Chet Baker’s ‘I Fall In Love Too Easily’ features Cohen, pianist Gerald Clayton and vocalist Keren Ann ends the album on a very strong note.